Soap Opera - Key Terms

Arc Plot- A long running story line that appears in most episodes, sometimes in the background, and at other timers as the main storyline

Cliff-hanger- An incomplete storyline, left at the end of the episode in order to ensure the audience will tune into the next episode to see the conclusion

Docusoap- A 'reality TV' show which combines documentary and soap opera

Ensemble cast- A large cast where all the characters have an equal level of importance

Primetime- The timeslot on television in the early evening when it is considered the majority of audience members will be watching

Scheduling- Placing a television programme or radio broadcast into a particular slot for audience viewing

Social Class- a hierarchy in society based on education, occupation, income, background, etc.

Social Realism- An expression of what is deemed to be a realistic representation of society

Terrestrial television- Television available to everyone with access to a TV, due to the fact that it does not require satellite or cable transmission.

Watershed- Programmes and advertisements broadcast before 9pm on UK television channels are not permitted to show material deemed unsuitable for younger viewers

Archetypal Soap Opera Characters-

The Ultimate Power Couple-

Definition: A couple that have faced many difficult situations which for most couples would have lead to them separating however the Power Couple are strong and portrayed as being indestructible. They have usually been part of many main storylines often lasting a long time. The couple are popular both within the soap opera and with the audience, however many characters envy/are jealous towards the Power Couple because of their relationship with one another. The couple are usually married and not usually gay/lesbian therefore fitting the stereotypical image of a married couple. There is no closure for the pairing unless both characters leave the show together or one of them dies. It is because of this, that after the usual fairytale wedding, if the super couple remains on the series, writers do not allow the item to live happily ever after as a couple in a fairy tale would but rather subject them to a continual cycle of being separated and reunited. This factor has contributed to two characters of a super couple normally divorcing and remarrying each other a few or several times

Example: Kat and Alfie Moon (Eastenders)

The Underdog
Definition: No credit is ever given to this individual no matter what they achieve in life although they do usually get somewhere in life which shocks other characters within the soap opera. Character's don't always do the right thing and often rely on others to help them through life.
Example: (Ian Beale)



The Super Villain
Definition: Trouble appears to follow this character where ever they seem to go and affect anyone who associates themselves with this character. They commonly have few friends or family around often appearing on their own although this doesn't seem to affect them. The things they are involved with are evil and usually against the law however they always seem to get away with it.
Example: Patrick Blake (Hollyoaks)


The Girl Next Door
Definition: Everyday beauty who everyone gets on well with and enjoys watching on TV, they supposedly have no enemies and is always there to help if there is any trouble. People turn to her if they need a shoulder to cry on as they know she will always be there, she has never done anything she shouldn't and is a loyal friend to all.
Example: Tina McIntyre (Coronation Street)



The Wayward Youth
Definition: The troubled teen who goes from being a good person into someone who mixes with the wrong crowd and goes off the rails. This person is often disowned by their family and sees themselves go to prison for committing some sort of crime that affects other characters within the soap (often someone they were once close to/has helped them out in the past).
Example: Finn O'Connor (Hollyoaks)

The Rebel
Definition: Someone who goes against society and refuses to conform to what is seen as normal, they usually begin life as a wayward youth and develop into a rebellious nature after mixing with the wrong people and becoming rude and sometimes nasty to the people closest to them. As the character matures they often loose this personality trait and fit back into society/a particular even/storyline may change they way they act towards others.                                                                                                           Example: Lauren Branning (Eastenders)

The Straight Laced Good Guy
Definition: This a man who never does anything wrong and always tries to do the best for the people he cares about. He always tries to avoid trouble and doesn't get involved with any disputes that occur within the soap. He is there for anyone within the soap and they all know that they are able to rely on this man if they have any problems and a good shoulder to cry on. This man is usually older and seen as a fatherly figure to anyone who's father isn't present in their life or if they are just young and vulnerable.
Example: Roy Cropper (Coronation Street)

The Vamp
Definition: Mysterious and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers, often leading them into compromising, dangerous, and deadly situations. The vamp is usually female and she uses her sexual attraction to exploit men. Other women envy her as she attracts most of the males within the soap opera and is blamed for many affairs/cheating storylines.
Example: Mercedes McQueen (Holyoaks)




The Matriarch
Definition: Head of the family and the person who keeps everyone together. This person is stereotypically female and often older as they are a mother/grandmother. She cares about her family and will do anything to protect them and if anyone tries to harm them/interrupt the family unit she wont be happy. This character is well respected by all and everyone knows their place when they are around her.
Example: Lisa Dingle (Emmerdale)

The Bungler
Definition: A clumsy person who is overly stupid and never seems to get things right and is always making mistakes with everything they do in life. Other characters never trusts them and often avoids giving them work/things to do as they know it won't be done well. They are sometimes given pitty as other feel sorry for them and their stupidity.
Example: Billy Mitchell (Eastenders)

[Kira, Henry & Alice]